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Street artist Banksy pays tribute to UK's health service

WION Web Team
London, United KingdomUpdated: May 07, 2020, 11:48 AM IST
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Banksy's largely monochrome artwork Photograph:(Instagram)

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The street artist also posted an image of the work on Instagram, which shows a boy in dungarees playing with a figurine of a nurse in a superhero cape.

Street artist Banksy paid a tribute to the British medics battling the coronavirus pandemic in the second hardest-hit country.

The street artist also posted an image of the work on Instagram, which shows a boy in dungarees playing with a figurine of a nurse in a superhero cape.

Banksy

The largely monochrome artwork, which is one square metre, was hung in collaboration with the hospital's managers in a foyer near the emergency department.

Entitled 'Game Changer', it is the red cross on the nurse's uniform, while discarded Superman and Batman figures lie in a basket next to the boy.

"Thanks for all you're doing. I hope this brightens the place up a bit, even if it's only black and white," the enigmatic artist said in a note for hospital workers.

The artwork which appeared at Southampton General Hospital will remain there until the autumn when it will be auctioned to raise money for the NHS.

Paula Head, CEO of the University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust said: "Our hospital family has been directly impacted with the tragic loss of much loved and respected members of staff and friends.

"The fact that Banksy has chosen us to recognise the outstanding contribution everyone in and with the NHS is making, in unprecedented times, is a huge honour."

She added: "It will be really valued by everyone in the hospital, as people get a moment in their busy lives to pause, reflect and appreciate this piece of art. It will no doubt also be a massive boost to morale for everyone who works and is cared for at our hospital."

The artwork is now on view to staff and patients on Level C of the Southampton General.